FINAL THOUGHTS ON 2009

The snow at Christmas time was a bit skimpy, but still very beautiful with a light sprinkling of powdered-sugar like fluff sifting down most of the day. Pete and I stayed overnight with The Cannons on the Butte and got to stay in the Octogon Room with a spectacular view from our bed overlooking the Snake River Valley. Getting up early Christmas morning while it was still dark was breathtaking--both outside and inside. The huge Christmas tree covered with sparkling lights as viewed from the balcony was just picture perfect. It was a special day with that Cannon bunch.

The New Year brought us about 6-7 inches of new, good-moisture snow. It was all frosty and crunchy this morning (Jan 4).


Steve & family and Blaine and Nikki made the trek to Kelly Canyon to harvest several long-needle pines and brought this stately beauty back for us. Ryan and Chris helped me set it up and decorate it. I love it! Seems like you can't have real Christmas magic without a Christmas tree.


Here are a few other items of holiday decor around the house:

We enjoyed a wonderful pre-Christmas get-together in Burley at Blaine & Nikki's place. Their home was so warm and festive and all of the food Nikki prepared was delicious and much enjoyed by all. The weather was so nice that the "kids" had some play time in the park across the street.

Here's a picture of the painting I did for Ryan's Christmas gift. I loved doing it. I need to get back to doing more painting. It's fun. The picture I copied was of a metal sculpture I saw in a catalog.

Chris and Daniel playing Jacks at Nikki's birthday party. They were really getting into it!

Pete just settling down for a long winters' nap!

I think 2009 has been a great year with lots of special family memories to look back on. I'm excited for what the new year has in store and I'm looking forward to spending more amazing moments with each of the wonderful people in my life.